HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

Researched, produced, and prepared by Brent S. Rushall, Ph.D., R.Psy.

MICHAEL KLIM'S ARM ACTIONS AT 70 m OF HIS BUTTERFLY LEG OF THE GOLD MEDAL 4x100 m MEN'S MEDLEY RELAY AT THE 1998 PERTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Each frame in this analysis is .1 second apart.

Notable Features

Michael Klim's stroke is testimony to his innate power. Once he begins propulsion his stroke is very powerful and his body is streamlined. However, propulsion halts at the entry and repositioning of the arms phase of the stroke. That large inertial lag, which is both energy sapping and inefficient, unnecessarily slows and fatigues the swimmer. It would be mechanically more beneficial to maintain streamline for as much of the stroke as possible, eliminate detrimental vertical forces produced by an exaggerated head and shoulder diving at entry, and to initiate propulsive arm movements earlier. These factors are not independent of each other and so changing one could improve or change the other elements.

Michael Klim could be considered to be a world-champion and record-holder because he is an extremely powerful man. If his technique was more accurate and efficient he could produce exceptional performance levels in this swimming stroke. However, unless technique changes are made it is unlikely that his race performances will improve.

Michael Klim's butterfly

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